Australian airline, Virgin Australia, introduces pet travel on flights, making history as the initial Aussie airline supporting such practice.
Virgin Australia, a major Australian airline, is set to make history as the country's first pet-friendly airline. The new service, scheduled to take off from Melbourne Airport (MEL) on October 16, 2025, will initially be a trial on flights from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
The airline has implemented stringent safety regulations and made cabin adjustments to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for both pets and their human companions. Each flight can accommodate up to four pets, with each pet transported in an approved soft-sided carrier, measuring no more than 44 x 26 x 28 cm and weighing under eight kilograms.
To maintain a clean and allergen-free environment, Virgin Australia has installed advanced HEPA filtration systems on its aircraft. These systems capture over 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander, and the cabin air is refreshed 20-30 times per hour.
Pets must be up to date with vaccinations before travel, and animals with certain health conditions may require a veterinary-issued certificate to fly. Examples of such conditions include pregnancy, recent surgery, under eight weeks or over 12 years, or brachycephalic breeds.
To minimize allergen exposure for other passengers, Virgin Australia has created "buffer zones" (two rows behind and two rows in front of the allocated pet rows). Pets will be given window seats in specific rows.
Initially, only small dogs and cats will be allowed on the select flights. Cats will not be permitted on flights from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
Virgin Australia is following the standard of pet-friendly in-cabin services offered by major carriers in North America and Europe, such as United Airlines, Air France, and Air Canada. These airlines already offer pets to travel onboard domestic routes.
As a pilot program, the pet-friendly service will be closely monitored, with plans for a nationwide expansion after January 2026, subject to the success of the trial.
Flights with animal companions by Virgin Australia were announced in March 2024, but the service will only be available from October 2025 due to the preparations involving safety regulations, cabin adjustments, and compliance with pet transport rules.
This new initiative by Virgin Australia is set to revolutionise air travel for pet owners, making it easier and more convenient to travel with their beloved companions.
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